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The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss

880 Pages
2010

The Name of the Wind

Hachette UK

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The Name of the Wind - Summary

The Name of the Wind follows Kvothe, a legendary hero living in hiding as an innkeeper named Kote, as he recounts his life story. Through his tale, we follow his journey from being part of a traveling troupe to becoming an orphan in a crime-ridden city, and eventually his pursuit of knowledge at a prestigious and dangerous school of magic. The story combines adventure, love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, all told through lyrical prose and intricate world-building.

Key Themes

1

The Power of Stories and Names

The novel emphasizes the weight and magic of stories and names. Kvothe's journey demonstrates how stories shape destiny and preserve legacies. The concept that knowing something's true name reveals its essence is fundamental to the world's magic system and lore.

2

The Throes of Ambition and the Price of Knowledge

Kvothe's burning desire to learn and his insatiable thirst for knowledge drives his journey to The University. While his ambition helps him excel, it also leads to reckless choices with unforeseen consequences.

3

The Nature of Truth and Memory

The story questions the reliability of memory and the elusiveness of truth through its retrospective narrative. Kvothe's recounting of events is colored by time, experience, and potential self-deception, adding complexity to the narrative.

FAQ's

Names hold immense power in "The Name of the Wind." Knowing the true name of something or someone gives one control over it. This concept is central to the magic system and the lore within the story, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true essence of things.

Kvothe adopts the identity of Kote, a humble innkeeper, to hide from his past and the legends that surround him. This allows him to live a quieter life, away from the dangers and responsibilities that come with his true identity as a renowned hero.

Kvothe's ambition is a driving force in the narrative. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence leads him to The University, a place filled with both wonder and danger. However, his ambition also results in reckless decisions and unforeseen consequences, highlighting the double-edged nature of striving for greatness.

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